Veterinarians crucial to preventing human pandemic

4 July 2007

Media release

Veterinarians crucial to preventing human pandemic

Over 75 percent of all new diseases affecting humans in the last 25 years originated from animals. They include HIV/AIDS, H5N1 influenza, variant CJD and West Nile disease, all of which can be fatal if contracted by humans.

Infectious Diseases Physician and Microbiologist at Wellington Hospital, Dr Tim Blackmore, says veterinarians have a crucial role to play in protecting public health.

"Vets play a vital role in the diagnosis, surveillance, epidemiology, control and prevention of zoonoses - infectious diseases that transfer between animals and humans,"says Dr Blackmore.

Dr Blackmore will illustrate the importance of controlling zoonoses and the impact they could have on New Zealand's health and economy in his seminar at the New Zealand Veterinary Association conference in Christchurch tomorrow.

Dr Blackmore says there are also many non-fatal diseases transmitted from animals to humans, which have a significant impact on New Zealand's rural and health industries. Among the most common are campylobacter, salmonella, and leptospirosis. Tuberculosis and orf – a disease contracted by shearers of sheep infected with scabby mouth - are less common examples.

"Vets and farmers are critical to reducing and preventing the transfer of diseases between humans and animals. They are first line of surveillance and can ensure preventative measures are taken quickly and appropriately to prevent outbreaks of diseases or a pandemic."

Dr Blackmore says there are also a number of diseases which are passed the other way – from humans to animals. Staphylococcal diseases are often passed to companion animals. Recently, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has caused problems for the bloodstock industry in North America.

Dr Blackmore believes it is vital veterinarians and doctors work together to share information and learn from each other. He says the key area of common ground in animal and human medical practice is hygiene.

“Hygiene is the cornerstone of good health, especially when animals or humans are in close proximity.”

A clean environment can also reduce the need for antibiotics in both humans and animals.

“Antibiotics are often required for treatment-related infections, and more antibiotics are required when hygiene is poor. It’s the same for a hospital as it is for a cattle or chook shed.”

Dr Blackmore will also present a seminar on antimicrobial resistance. He says preventing resistance from emerging in the first place has become almost impossible, so the next step is not to give organisms a fair advantage.

“This means trying not to have too many antibiotics in the system or using them for long periods, and controlling the environment effectively in order to prevent resistance.”

The New Zealand Veterinary Association Conference is being held at the Christchurch Convention Centre, 95 Kilmore Street, Christchurch from 4 – 7 July.

ENDS

© Scoop Media